About
"I believe my job as a therapist is to empower the people I work with to live their most authentic lives."
Why I became a therapist
Hi, my name is Caitlin Otwell and I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. I became a therapist because I have always felt that wellness is not just physical health, but emotional and social health as well. As we navigate living in families and communities, we will inevitably run into opportunities for growth - whether it’s a deeper understanding of why we do what we do, or a need to develop new coping skills - therapy provides an unconditionally safe space to do that work. I believe my job as a therapist is to provide that space and empower the people I work to live their most authentic lives.
Who I work with
I work with individuals and families who are struggling with life adjustments, relationships challenges, anxiety and depression. I have a particular interest in supporting pregnant and parenting mothers, and have experience and training in supporting parents of young children. I also love working with young adults as they are navigating new relationships, whether with a romantic partner or a roommate, and how past family relationships may impact current ones. I have experience working with adolescents and adults struggling with addictive and compulsive behaviors, and seek to support people in developing more effective coping skills.
"We come to therapy with a wealth of experience, both positive and challenging, which is why I incorporate a trauma-informed perspective in all that I do.”
Working With Me
As a therapist, I take an attachment-based, family-systems oriented approach with the individuals and families I work with. We come to therapy with a wealth of experience, both positive and challenging, which is why I incorporate a trauma-informed perspective in all that I do. We will use a variety of evidence-based modalities to first help you get some relief from what brought you to therapy, and second to develop new understanding and skills to navigate the ups and downs of life. I utilize an integrated approach, and incorporate aspects of Narrative Exposure Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Internal Family Systems work.
My Qualifications and trainings
- I have a undergraduate degree in Psychology and Family Studies from Miami University (OH)
- I have a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology from Houston Baptist University
- I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
- I am a member of the American Counseling Association (ACA)
- I am certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT); Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
- I am a VERY novice baker, and an equally novice (aka slow) jogger.